Overdue Hiker Found Dead On Trail; Killed By Fallen Tree

CONCORD, NH - New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation responded to Bean’s Purchase when a report was made that a hiker had not returned from a hike and was overdue.

The hiker, identified as Edward Murphy, 50, of Sandown, NH, was attempting a multi-day hike with an anticipated completion date and time being Wednesday, May 26, at around 5:00 p.m. When Murphy had still not arrived out by noon on Thursday, May 27, a search was initiated.

Conservation Officers entered the Wild River Wilderness from multiple trail accesses hoping to locate Murphy. One search party entered from the Bog Brook Trailhead and scoured the Bog Brook Trail to the Wild River trail through Perkins Notch traveling north. Another team came in from the Wild River Campground and searched the Highwater Trail to the Wild River Trail traveling south. While a third search party searched the Shelburne Trail traveling south to the Highwater Trail.

Murphy was located at the Spruce Brook Tent site by one of the search teams at approximately 7:30 p.m. Thursday night. Evidence at the scene indicated that Murphy had been killed when a tree he had placed his sleeping hammock on fell and struck him. There was no evidence of foul play and all indications point to this being a tragic accident.

Fish and Game Officers were assisted by the National Guard helicopter in this search and recovery mission.